The area around French town Romans-sur-Isère, once home to a thriving leathergoods and footwear industry, is undergoing a revival, according to local press.

Despite shoemakers Charles Jourdan and Stephane Kelian closing last year and the industry’s workforce falling from 2,000 in 1993 to less than 800 in 2011, by adjusting their focus to high-quality materials many businesses are starting to thrive.

The report cites Archer Group and Le Soulier Français as doing particularly well as outsource shoe manufacturers.

LVMH owns the local Tanneries Roux in and Louis Vuitton opened a workshop in the area.

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